Long story short

With no experience in public office and a political
philosophy some might call fringe, Paige has to find his way on
Colorado Springs City Council at a critical time (see this week's
feature, here). He doesn't even have the advantage of a
voter mandate, because he was appointed to replace Jerry
Heimlicher.

He'll also have to explain why he's been preaching,
in editorials and blogs, about how people should vote, while not
casting a single ballot himself since moving here in 2002.

But then, nothing has come easily for Paige. He
struggled through high school and meandered (his word) through a decade
of college before emerging with a bachelor's degree. And he supported
himself along the way, waiting tables and unloading steel.

That work ethic might be at the heart of Paige's
meat-and-potatoes agenda. He tells us that given the choice to fund the
Economic Development Corp. or the cop on the beat, he'll choose the cop
every time. But before the officers celebrate, they should know
nothing's off the table for Paige, including their sacred pensions.

As a city leader, Paige and his libertarianism will
be tested more publicly than ever — which is why some Councilors
wanted him on the dais. Will he waver? Paige could answer truthfully
that he never has.